Montreal is a city that truly has it all. It feels like a little slice of Europe right in North America, but with its own unique, funky vibe.
The second you arrive, you hear the melodic mix of French and English and see stunning old architecture next to sleek modern buildings. It’s a place that wakes up your senses and makes you want to explore every single corner.
Get ready to dive into the absolute best this incredible city has to offer. We’re going way beyond the basic tourist checklist to give you the inside scoop.
From wandering through magical underground worlds to finding the most mind-blowing food, your Montreal adventure is about to get a major upgrade. Buckle up, because this list is your ultimate ticket to an unforgettable trip.
1. Explore the Underground City – Best Overall
Let’s kick things off with one of Montreal’s most legendary attractions, the Underground City, or what locals call the “RÉSO.” This isn’t just a shopping mall buried under the streets.
It’s a massive, mind-boggling network that stretches over 20 miles. It connects museums, universities, metro stations, apartments, and hundreds of shops and restaurants.
Think of it as a whole other city, perfect for when the weather outside is less than ideal. You can literally spend a whole day down there without ever needing your coat.
This is arguably the best overall thing to do in Montreal because it’s an experience you simply won’t find anywhere else. It’s a climate-controlled paradise where you can explore to your heart’s content.
You can catch a movie, grab a fantastic meal, or just people-watch as the city’s pulse beats all around you. It’s the ultimate urban adventure, rain or shine, and a must-do for any first-time visitor.
2. Hike Up Mount Royal – Best for City Views
You can’t say you’ve really been to Montreal until you’ve conquered Mount Royal. This beautiful big hill, smack dab in the middle of the city, is the green heart of Montreal.
Designed by the same guy who did New York’s Central Park, it’s a sprawling oasis for walking, jogging, or just chilling out. The path up is a gentle, winding climb that’s totally doable for most people.
When you reach the Kondiaronk Belvedere lookout, you’ll have your ultimate “wow” moment. The entire downtown skyline unfolds right in front of you, with the St. Lawrence River in the distance.
It’s the perfect spot for that iconic photo that will make all your friends back home super jealous. This is hands-down one of the most breathtaking and essential Montreal activities you can find.
3. Stroll Through the Old Port – Best for History Lovers
Step back in time with a visit to the Old Port of Montreal, or Vieux-Port. This historic waterfront area is where the city began, and you can feel the centuries of stories in the cobblestone streets.
It’s a beautiful place for a long, leisurely walk with amazing views of the water and the iconic Clock Tower. You can rent a quadricycle for a fun group ride or just find a bench and watch the boats glide by.
The area is also packed with cool stuff to do. You can visit the Montreal Science Centre, which has awesome interactive exhibits for all ages.
Throughout the year, the Old Port hosts all sorts of events, from outdoor concerts to giant circuses. It’s a perfect mix of old-world charm and modern fun, making it a top pick for anyone’s personal list.
4. Wander the Botanical Garden – Best for Families
Prepare to be absolutely wowed by the Montreal Botanical Garden. This place is a world-class attraction, one of the largest of its kind on the globe.
Spread across 190 acres, it’s home to tens of thousands of plant species. You can wander through the serene Japanese Garden or get lost in the lush Chinese Garden.
It’s like taking a trip around the world without ever leaving the city. For families, this is an absolute slam dunk.
The kids will go nuts for the massive Insectarium, with its crazy-looking bugs from every continent. The Tree House exhibit is a magical playground that lets them climb and explore.
No matter the season, the gardens are beautiful. A visit here is easily one of the most memorable and enriching things to do in Montreal with your crew.
5. Eat Your Way Through Jean-Talon Market – Best for Foodies
If you want to taste the real, beating heart of Montreal, you go to Jean-Talon Market. This isn’t just a place to buy groceries; it’s a vibrant, sensory spectacle.
Located in the heart of Little Italy, it’s one of North America’s oldest and largest public markets. The second you walk in, you’re hit with the incredible smells of fresh produce and local cheeses.
The energy from the vendors, all proudly shouting about their goods, is absolutely infectious. This is a food lover’s paradise.
You can sample juicy Quebec strawberries, pick up artisanal sausages, or just grab a coffee and a pastry and soak it all in. It’s the best place to put together a phenomenal picnic.
Chat with the farmers and try something you’ve never seen before. A trip to Jean-Talon Market is, without a doubt, one of the top things to do in Montreal for an authentic taste of the city.
6. Get Arty in the Plateau Neighborhood – Best for Instagram Photos
For a serious dose of Montreal’s famous cool factor, you have to spend an afternoon in the Plateau Mont-Royal. This neighborhood is the city’s trendiest district, and it’s ridiculously photogenic.
You’ve probably seen pictures of its iconic spiral staircases and brightly painted row houses. The streets are lined with unique boutiques, funky bookstores, and some of the city’s best cafes.
It’s the perfect place to just wander, get lost, and see what you discover. Make sure to walk down Rue Saint-Laurent, the main drag that cuts through the city’s cultural history.
The area is also famous for its incredible street art and murals. Every corner offers a new photo opportunity. Exploring the Plateau is one of the coolest Montreal activities for anyone who wants to feel the city’s vibrant, artistic pulse.
7. Experience Biodôme de Montréal – Best for a Rainy Day
The Montreal Biodôme is a one-of-a-kind experience that you absolutely cannot miss. Imagine walking through a single building that contains five completely different ecosystems of the Americas.
One minute you’re in the steamy heat of a tropical rainforest, complete with monkeys and parrots. The next, you’re watching penguins dive and play in a sub-polar landscape.
It’s an incredible, immersive journey through nature that is both educational and totally awe-inspiring. This is the ultimate all-weather attraction.
It doesn’t matter if it’s pouring rain or a blizzard outside; inside the Biodôme, it’s always a perfect day. It’s fascinating for adults and pure magic for kids.
Since its recent major renovation, the exhibits are more stunning and engaging than ever. For a guaranteed good time, add the Biodôme to your list of what to do in Montreal.
8. Catch a Festival – Best for Nightlife & Culture
Montreal isn’t nicknamed “The City of Festivals” for nothing. This place knows how to throw a party, and there’s pretty much always something incredible happening.
The city’s festival scene is world-renowned. It offers everything from comedy and jazz to fireworks and film. The energy during these events is electric, with streets closed off for performances.
You don’t have to plan your whole trip around a specific festival to get in on the fun. There’s likely something going on no matter when you visit.
It’s a fantastic way to experience the city’s vibrant culture and legendary nightlife. You’ll find yourself dancing in the street and laughing at a free outdoor show.
Checking out a festival is one of the most dynamic and exciting Montreal activities you can choose. It really lets you feel the city’s joyful pulse.
9. Discover the Lachine Canal – Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts
For a dose of fresh air and outdoor fun, head to the Lachine Canal National Historic Site. This historic waterway runs from the Old Port right into the city’s southwest neighborhoods.
A paved path follows the entire canal, making it a dream for cyclists, joggers, and inline skaters. You can also rent a kayak or canoe and see the city from a completely different perspective.
The path takes you past old industrial buildings that have been converted into cool lofts and offices. It gives you a neat mix of history and modern city life.
It’s a much-loved spot for locals to get active and enjoy a sunny day. Pack a picnic and spend a few hours exploring this beautiful urban waterway.
It’s a fantastic, and often overlooked, item for your list of what to do in Montreal if you love being outside.
10. Go Museum Hopping at the Musée des Beaux-Arts – Best for Art Lovers
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is an absolute gem and a must-visit for any art fan. It’s the city’s largest and oldest art museum, with a collection that will knock your socks off.
The museum is spread across several pavilions connected by an underground passage. It houses everything from ancient archaeological treasures to cutting-edge contemporary art.
You’ll find works by Rembrandt, Picasso, and a huge collection of Canadian art. What’s really great is that the permanent collection is free for everyone to explore.
This makes it an amazing budget-friendly option. The museum also hosts blockbuster temporary exhibitions that are always worth checking out.
Spending an afternoon here is one of the most culturally rich and satisfying Montreal activities you can find. You’ll leave feeling inspired.
11. Indulge in a Foodie Tour of Mile End – Best for Local Flavors
While the Plateau is cool, its neighbor, Mile End, is the undisputed king of cool when it comes to food and indie culture. This smaller neighborhood packs a serious punch.
It’s the place to come for the city’s most famous bagels. You can join the age-old debate over which is better: Fairmount Bagel or St-Viateur Bagel. The only way to decide is to try them both, hot out of the wood-fired oven. But Mile End is so much more than bagels.
It’s a hive of creative energy, with independent designer shops and some of the best coffee in the city. You can find incredible vegan eateries right next to classic diners.
Just walking around and popping into whatever catches your eye is the best way to experience it. A food-focused stroll through Mile End is easily one of the top things to do in Montreal.
12. Relax at Parc La Fontaine – Best for a Lazy Afternoon
End your Montreal adventure by living like a true local at Parc La Fontaine. This massive park in the Plateau neighborhood is the city’s backyard.
On a sunny day, you’ll find it filled with people playing tennis, having picnics, or just hanging out with friends. There’s a large pond where you can rent a paddleboat in the summer.
In the winter, it transforms into a popular spot for ice skating. It’s the perfect place to unwind after days of busy sightseeing.
Grab a coffee and a sandwich from a nearby cafe and find a shady spot under a tree. You’ll see families, students, and artists all sharing the space.
It’s a beautiful, low-key way to soak up the laid-back Montreal vibe. Chilling at Parc La Fontaine is the perfect, relaxing finale to your list of the best things to do in Montreal.
Conclusion
Montreal is a city that gets under your skin in the best way possible. It’s a place of incredible food, rich history, and stunning green spaces.
From the depths of the Underground City to the peak of Mount Royal, every experience offers a different piece of what makes this city so special. You will find so many amazing things to do in Montreal.
So what are you waiting for? Your unforgettable Montreal adventure is calling. Start planning your trip today and use this guide to craft your perfect itinerary.
Get ready to fall in love with one of the most exciting cities in the world. Don’t just dream about it, go experience it for yourself.